Sea Cadets row the world in 80 hours

Chiswick’s Sea Cadet unit rowed 177 miles in four hours on Sunday 21st April, with the help of nearby Sons of the Thames and Barnes Bridge Ladies rowing clubs.

Seventeen cadets – most of whom were novice rowers – used 10 indoor rowing machines at Barnes Bridge Ladies RC, beginning and 11am. They had previously enjoyed an indoor rowing taster session with two coaches from Sons of the Thames.

“There may be a few aching backs and there are definitely some blisters, but we are very pleased to be able to add 177 miles to the national total. We are also grateful to Sons of the Thames and Barnes Bridge Ladies Rowing Clubs, for making their facilities available to us so that we could participate in the event.”

The Chiswick cadets were taking part in a nationwide appeal by the Sea Cadets, with 200 units and 3,000 cadets and volunteers attempting to row 24,900 miles – the equivalent of rowing around the world – in 80 hours.

Money raised by the challenge will go towards a new tall ship to replace the TS Royalist – which has spent the last 40 years taking some 30,000 cadets on voyages around the UK.

To donate to the Sea Cadets’ New Ship fund, visit www.justgiving.com/new-ship-appeal.